Tough Windy Conditions

Crusaders 3 - Ipswich YMCA 18

Crusaders took the field with a much changed side having had fly half Theo Elliot, hooker Dean Anderton and scrum half Rob Loone joining an unpresidented injury list. Despite a difficult wind both sides produced some flowing rugby, excellent tackling from both sides prevented any score until Crusaders broke the deadlock before halftime with a well struck penalty from the impressive John Paine playing at fly-half 3 -0 half time.

Crusaders began the second half facing a strong wind and defending a narrow lead. Ipswich began to rack up the pressure but they failed to breach a spirited young Crusaders back line. It was mid-way through the second half before Ipswich drew level with a penalty. Crusaders suffered a further blow when Ryan Harris playing at scrum-half and having an inspired game in defence was side lined with a neck injury. After a long delay the game restarted with Ipswich taking the lead with a second penalty. Ipswich added to their lead with 2 quickly taken trys and defended successfully a late Crusaders on slought on their line.
Crusaders' captain Jack Borman can take heart from a spirited performance from his young replacements and hope for an improved injury list for next week's difficult to Wisbech.
Despite losing numerous players to first team duty Crusaders second team recorded a fine victory 17-20 at Lakenham Hewitt.